Saints Veteran X-Factors For the Final Stretch
The New Orleans Saints head into their bye week with a 5-5 record, yet still in possession of first place in the NFC South. New Orleans returns to action in Week 12 when they travel to face the 4-6 Atlanta Falcons, also on a bye this week.
The Saints have been far from impressive in any facet of the game this season and are coming off an embarrassing performance in a loss at Minnesota. Many feel that this team has the talent to go on a run and at least capture a weak division. However, they'll actually have to show that consistently.
Offensively, players like QB Derek Carr, WRs Chris Olave, Michael Thomas, and Rashid Shaheed, RB Alvin Kamara, and the offensive line will obviously need to come up big. Defensive stars like DEs Cam Jordan and Carl Granderson, LB Demario Davis, and an immensely talented secondary must also lead a rebound by one of the better units in the league.
Here are a few under the radar veterans for the Saints that could also play key roles in the stretch run.
Jamaal Williams, RB
New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams (21) with the ball against Carolina Panthers linebackers Brian Burns (0) and Frankie Luvu (49). Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY
Williams hasn't made the impact that was expected of him when signed in free agency last offseason. A fourth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Williams was coming off his first 1,000-yard season and an NFL-high 17 rushing touchdowns in 2022 with Detroit. He was signed to provide a complimentary backfield threat to Alvin Kamara, hopefully allowing Kamara to again be a bigger factor in the passing game.
Williams has just 131 yards rushing, six catches for 24 yards, and no touchdowns for the Saints in six games. He did miss four games with a hamstring injury, but has averaged a lowly 2.9 per rush and less than 3.1 per offensive touch.
Taysom Hill continues to be the best short yardage option for New Orleans. If Williams were able to be more effective, then the Saints would be able to keep defenses more off balance while also allowing them to move Kamara around the formation more without necessarily telegraphing a play.
To be fair, the entire rushing attack has faltered in part because of poor performances from the offensive line. The Saints will certainly need to block better up front. Williams could provide a power running option from base formations that would make this offense more difficult to defend.
Juwan Johnson, TE
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (83) runs after a catch against the Tennessee Titans. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
After a breakout campaign in 2022, Johnson was expected to be a bigger part of the offense this season. He missed four games with a calf injury, but has only 14 receptions for 97 yards and one touchdown in his other six contests.
Johnson has only been targeted 22 times. He's had more than three catches only once, with a season-high of just 36 yards in the opening week. The tight end position, and also the middle of the field in general, has often been ignored by the New Orleans passing game this year.
A converted wideout, Johnson has a size advantage over most defensive backs and an athletic advantage over most linebackers. He's capable of running any route, uses his body well in traffic, and is an excellent runner after the catch.
Wideout Michael Thomas (knee) is banged up and may miss a couple games. Without Thomas, Juwan Johnson is the most physical pass catcher on the roster. If the offensive coordinator and quarterback remember that Johnson is on the team, he could provide a matchup advantage down the stretch.
Malcolm Roach, DT
Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is pressured by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Malcolm Roach (97). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Roach is the only holdover from a defensive tackle position that was completely revamped in the offseason. He's had a solid year, contributing a career-best 29 tackles which include three for loss. Roach is the top tackler among all Saints interior defenders.
Roach doesn't contribute much for the pass rush. He has only one sack in four years and just one pressure this season. However, he plays with outstanding tenacity and positioning against the run. He also has the strength to tie up multiple blockers in pass protection to free up teammates for one-on-one matchups.
Any coach will tell you that a high effort player makes good things happen. Roach certainly falls into that category. He may not fill up the stat sheet, but can help shore up recent vulnerability against the run and push opposing pass pockets.
Jason Pierre-Paul, EDGE
Nov 7, 2022; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul (4) celebrates a stop against the New Orleans Saints. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY
Pierre-Paul was signed off the free-agent market early in the bye week. He hasn't suited up for a team this season and was initially added to the practice squad. Don't be surprised if he's on the active roster sooner rather than later.
The 34-year old Pierre-Paul has 94.5 sacks, 167 QB hits, 127 tackles for loss, and 21 forced fumbles over a 13-year career with the Giants, Buccaneers, and Ravens. He's had seven seasons with at least seven sacks, including three with double-digits. While no longer in his prime, he still showed productive pass rushing abilities in a situational role with the Ravens last season.
It's hoped that Pierre-Paul will inject some life into a listless pass rush. The Saints have only 18 sacks this season, near the bottom of the league. They have only seven sacks in their last five games, where their defense has been torn apart in the first half.
New Orleans defensive ends have been particularly disappointing, especially with Future Hall of Famer Cam Jordan and emerging Carl Granderson. Collectively, this group has only eight sacks and 25 QB hits on the year. Pierre-Paul may only play a handful of situational snaps per game. However, if he's able to generate some disruption than the New Orleans defense would be an even bigger handful for opponents.
On the Spot: Andrus Peat
New Orleans Saints guard Andrus Peat (75) blocks Chicago Bears defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
A backup coming into this year, the end looked near for the 2015 first-round draft choice. Instead Peat has performed well as a replacement starter at a position he hasn't played since 2018.
Peat was drafted 13th overall by the Saints out of Stanford in 2015 to play right tackle. After failing there, he was moved to left tackle with little more success. He eventually found a home at guard with three straight Pro Bowl honors. Injuries have always been an issue. He's missed an average of five games per year and noticeably declined last season.
Peat stepped in for a benched Trevor Penning at left tackle in Week 7. It's a position he hasn't played in five years, but has performed admirably. In fact, the Saints have a higher average per rush and have allowed fewer QB pressures since Peat took over as starter. He's done an especially strong job in pass protection and on screen passes.
The entire offensive line must play better than they did to open the season. Opponents will test Peat's side with their best pass rushers and extra blitzers. If he can hold up, than it could bolster the offensive line and the entire unit to a more productive stretch run.
